GE, one of the world's largest companies, has committed to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions one percent by 2012 and the intensity of its GHG emissions 30 percent by 2008 (both compared to 2004). Based on the company's projected growth, GE's GHG emissions would have risen 40 percent by 2012 without further action. In addition, GE is committed to doubling its investment in environmental technologies to $1.5 billion by 2010. These efforts are part of GE's "Ecomagination" initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges.

Eileen Claussen, President of the Pew Center welcomed GE enthusiastically, "When a company like GE stands up and says that climate change is a serious issue that demands immediate action, people tend to listen. As the newest member of our business environmental leadership council, we are pleased to have them at the table as we work to craft acceptable policy here in the United States and abroad."

"Ecomagination is GE's commitment to address challenges such as the need for cleaner, more efficient sources of energy and reduced emissions," said Jeffrey Immelt, GE chairman and CEO. "It is time for the private sector to assume its rightful place as a major catalyst for environmental change. We believe that the growing market for environmental technology can get us where we need to be."

"But industry cannot get there alone," Immelt continued. "We need to work in concert with the government and important groups like the Pew Center to promote and reward leadership. We are glad to join Pew's effort to work toward these goals - all keys for our shared future."

Members of the Pew Center's Business Council agree that enough is known about the science of global climate change to warrant action, and they pledge to take steps to reduce or offset their own greenhouse gas emissions. Members work together to formulate reasonable public policy, both in the United States and internationally. The Pew Center's council now has forty members, most of them Fortune 500 companies with operations around the world.

GE is among the leaders in energy-efficient power generation technologies, renewable energy technologies, water purification, and energy-efficient consumer appliance and lighting products. Also, GE's aircraft engines and locomotives are among the most efficient and cleanest in the world. GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide.

The Business Environmental Leadership Council was established by the Pew Center in 1998. The BELC is comprised of mainly Fortune 500 companies representing a diverse group of industries including energy, automobiles, manufacturing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, metals, mining, paper and forest products, consumer goods and appliances, telecommunications, and high technology. Individually and collectively, these companies are demonstrating that it is possible to take action to address climate change while maintaining competitive excellence, growth, and profitability. The companies together generate over $1.5 trillion in revenue and employ more than 2.5 million people.

For more information about global climate change and the activities of the Pew Center and the BELC, visit www.c2es.org.

###

The Pew Center was established in May 1998 by The Pew Charitable Trusts, one of the United States' largest philanthropies and an influential voice in efforts to improve the quality of the environment. The Pew Center is an independent, nonprofit, and non-partisan organization dedicated to providing credible information, straight answers, and innovative solutions in the effort to address global climate change. The Pew Center is led by Eileen Claussen, the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.

GE (NYSE:GE) is Imagination at Work - a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com